Penang Botanical Gardens or fondly refer to as
"Waterfall Gardens" was established by the British back in 1884. The
garden are bound by evergreen tropical rainforest and divided by a
cascading stream and sprawling with 29 hectares of prime and undulating
grounds.
The lush greenery gardens are Penangites favorite park
and a popular tourist destination. The garden also act as an institute
of learning, studying and researching of live specimen both in-situ and
ex-situ. Every year, countless groups of undergraduates, students,
government agencies and private sectors will come to the gardens to
acquire wealth of information and knowledge on aspects of botany and
horticulture.
Some of the interesting plant that can be found there includes:
- Cannon-Ball Tree:
A beautiful fast growing tree which reaches 25m in height. The leaves
have a life span of approximately 6 months after which they are shed
rapidly so that the crown is usually bare for a day or two.
- Candle Tree:
An evergreen tree with brown trunk and growing up to 6 to 10m. The
flowers are big, solitary, bell shape and white in color, measuring 8cm
wide.
- Argus Pheasant Tree: A tall deciduous tree reaching 31m in height with rounded crown and strong buttressed trunk when old.
- Ebony Tree:
An evergreen, stout and shady wide spreading tree with dense dark green
glossy leaves. It has a compact, dome shaped conical crown.
Besides being a botanic centre, the garden is a popular
recreational spot. Some of the recreational activities include jogging,
walking, jungle trekking and aerobics.
The Penang Botanic Gardens
has been the permanent host to usher the annual international floral
fest normally held in May. Participants from overseas, government
agencies, private sectors and local councils are invited to participate
in this annual event. The colorful events provides a wonderful
experience and is and event not to be missed.
Entrance to the garden is FREE and is open daily from 5am to 8pm.